News and trends from around the web ...

How Does Your Beach Rate?
The Natural Resources Defense Council released its annual water quality survey, "Testing the Waters 2010" measuring the most popular beaches in the country by five key criteria. Full story from CBS News

The Resurgence of Bus Travel
At a time when flights are being cut and ridership on trains is relatively flat, traveling by bus is on the rise.  New bus lines like BoltBus and MegaBus have spurred the revival by offering low fares and focusing on improving the experience, from ticketing to arrival.
Full story from MSNBC

‘Flying Pasties’ Protect Your Privacy
Flying Pasties are now available for modest travelers who object to the full-body scanners being used in airports nationwide. The rubbery Flying Pasties are reusable with prices starting at $9.99. Full story from the Atlanta Journal

A Hotel’s Toughest Guest
Hotels and resorts are trying to make family trips more fun by offering teen programs, with Wii contests, sushi-making lessons and poker nights, as well as dedicated hang-out spots for the under-18 set, giving kids independence and a good time, while preventing mischief. Full story from the Wall Street Journal

Study Tracks Family Travel
In a study based upon the travel behavior of Americans with an annual household income of more than $50,000, 44% of all leisure travelers took at least one "family vacation" last year. Family travelers are equally likely to take both weekend trips (73%) of four nights and less including a Saturday, and extended trips (71%) of five consecutive nights or more. Beach/lake destinations were selected by one-third (33%) of all family travelers last year, while one out of four (26%) took a theme park vacation, and one out of 10 (9%) visited an all-inclusive resort. Full story from Travel Pulse

Top 5 Spots for a Mancation
Although a mancation can take place anywhere, some destinations are more conducive than others and contain all the essential elements for the perfect escape. Full story from Local 6